Wales and its History

  Llywelyn the Great was a truly powerful ruler, some say the most powerful of all Welsh princes and kings, here is some examples of that power. In 1217 Reginald de Braose of Brecon and Abergavenny, who had been allied to Llywelyn and had married his daughter Gwladus Ddu, was induced by the English crown to change sides. Llywelyn responded by invading his lands, first threatening Brecon, where the burgesses offered hostages for the payment of 100 marks, then heading for Swansea where Reginald de Braose met him to offer submission and to surrender the town. He then continued eastwards to threaten Haverfordwest where the burgesses offered hostages for their submission to his rule or the payment of a fine of 1,000 marks. In his war with his father-in-law king john of England he had the support of Pope Innocent III, made an alliance with Philip II Augustus king of France then allied himself with the barons who were in rebellion against John, marching on Shrewsbury...

  Is this really the face of the greatest of all Welsh rulers? It was found at Deganwy castle and is said to be the face of Llywelyn the great, the recognised principle ruler of all Wales , a man who was so powerful the marcher lords would rather pay him than go to war with him Reginald de Braose of Brecon and Abergavenny, who had been allied to Llywelyn and married his daughter, Gwladus Ddu, was induced by the English crown to change sides. Llywelyn responded by invading his lands, first threatening Brecon, where the burgesses offered hostages for the payment of 100 marks, then heading for Swansea where Reginald de Braose met him to offer submission and to surrender the town. He then continued westwards to threaten Haverfordwest where the burgesses offered hostages for their submission to his rule or the payment of a fine of 1,000 marks Hostilities broke out with William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, in 1220. Llywelyn destroyed the castles of Narberth and Wiston, burnt the town...